Novak Djokovic's hopes of a record 25th grand slam title were shattered at the French Open as 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca pulled off a stunning upset, winning 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 7-5. The defeat marks the first time Djokovic has lost a grand slam match from two sets up since 2010, and the first time a teenager has beaten him at a major.
With top rivals Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz already out, Djokovic was the only former grand slam champion left in the draw. His exit leaves the tournament wide open, with no previous major winners remaining in the fourth round for the first time in the Open era. Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Fonseca himself are among those who could now seize the opportunity.
Djokovic, 39, admitted he 'ran out of gas' in the latter stages, struggling in the afternoon heat after a limited build-up to the tournament. 'I didn't feel good at all on the court in the last couple sets,' he said. When asked about his future at Roland Garros, he declined to confirm whether he would return next year.
Fonseca, who had never played on Court Philippe-Chatrier before, showed remarkable composure after dropping the first two sets. 'He just played lights out tennis every time there was a decisive moment,' Djokovic said. The Brazilian teenager, who burst onto the scene at last year's Australian Open, now faces a new challenge as he aims to build on his breakthrough.
